Pago Pago, << PAHNG oh PAHNG oh >> (pop. 3,000), is the capital of American Samoa, a United States territory in the Pacific Ocean. Pago Pago is on the island of Tutuila. It is American Samoa’s only port and one of its largest urban centers.
Pago Pago lies on a natural harbor. Fish products make up the majority of American Samoa’s exports, and Pago Pago has several major tuna canneries. American Samoa’s government buildings—including the legislature, court house, and governor’s mansion—are also there.
Polynesian peoples have occupied the Samoa Islands for at least 2,000 years. European explorers first reached the islands in 1722. In 1872, the Samoans agreed to let the United States Navy use Pago Pago Bay as a coaling station, a port where ships could replenish their supplies. The United States took control of Tutuila and other islands in the Samoan chain in 1900.
See also American Samoa; Samoa Islands.
